GERMANY — UPM Communication Papers plans to permanently close its Hürth newsprint mill and to shut down one fine paper machine at Nordland Papier in Dörpen, in Germany. If realized, the measures would result in annual reductions of 330,000 tonnes of newsprint paper capacity and 280,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper capacity in UPM’s portfolio. …The number of positions affected is estimated approximately at 135 in Hürth and 210 in Dörpen. The participation process with the workers council will start immediately in line with local legislation. Both paper machines affected by the planned measure would stop graphic paper production latest by the end of 2024. Production on the remaining paper machines at Nordland Papier will continue as before. …Graphic paper demand has continued to decline, reflecting the overall trend in paper consumption driven by digitalization. The decline in demand accentuated in 2023 and a durable recovery is not expected, resulting in significant overcapacity in the market.